Information and training platform for laboratory Animal science

Las interactive brings together the free information portal vtk online and the training portal las campus. The website adresses researchers, students, competent authorities, trainers as well as technical staff at Universities, independent research facilities and the industrie.

Our offer

VTK OnlineInformation portal

What is vtk online?

vtk online is a free information platform on laboratory animal science topics. It was developed in the framework of the funding guidelines of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) on "Alternatives to animal experiments" and expanded through DFG funding. The platform was conceived in accordance with the recommendations of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Association (FELASA) for the qualification of people who conduct animal experiments (Category B).

During the implementation of EU Directive 2010/63/EU a new, modular learning and teaching concept was recommended (For information on this see under “Modular training”). vtk online was structured according to these recommendations in 2015. The content of vtk online is always interpreted in the context of Directive 2010/63/EU and supplemented by national regulations (at present DE, CH).

LAS CampusOnline courses

What las campus has to offer

The EU Directive on animal welfare (2010/63/EU) requires that people who work with laboratory animals must be sufficiently trained and qualified and must undergo continuing professional development (CPD). For this, las campus offers high-quality online training that is always up to date.

Our online courses can be used, for example, to acquire the skills and knowledge defined in Annex 1 Section 3 TierSchVersV (DE: Persons who conduct or plan and design animal experiments).

Further training modules encapsulate key points and are recognized for further training by Switzerland’s Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).

We also create modules on contract and compile modules for you for specific teaching and training purposes.

Anatomy

Anatomy

Animal species

Animal species

The animal species covered here include both mammals (rodents, rabbits, bats etc.), and also amphibians, fish and birds.

Methods

Methods

In addition to the procedures, this section covers cannula sizes, dosing volumes and blood sample quantities. These are based on current recommendations.

Anatomy

Anatomy

The procedure and documentation of dissections are demonstrated using illustrative material.

Methods

Methods

Our content on anaesthesia includes the basic principles of pharmacology, general anaesthesia and analgesia.

Knowledge protects animals

Sound knowledge and skills in laboratory animal science and in animal experimental work are key to handling laboratory animals in a way that in in keeping with animal welfare and in the spirit of the 3Rs.
This concerns all fields of research using animal experiments, whether field research, basic biological research, applied medical research or experiments for safety testing.

Refinement

includes all measures that lead to avoidance or reduction of constraints and stresses for laboratory animals.

Reduction

refers to the reduction in the number of animals needed through improved techniques and optimization of experimental planning.

Replacement

refers to the replacement of animal experiments with in vitro methods or model organisms other than vertebrates.